10 Affordable Art Supplies to Start Your Creative Journey Today

Starting your artistic journey doesn’t require an expensive investment in premium materials. Many high-quality art supplies are available at budget-friendly prices, making it easier than ever to explore different mediums and techniques without financial stress.

You can build a complete beginner art kit with essential supplies that deliver excellent results while staying within a modest budget. From colored pencils and watercolor paints to sketchbooks and canvas panels, affordable options exist across every category you’ll need. Understanding where to find these supplies and how to get the most value from them will help you focus on developing your skills rather than worrying about costs.

1) Crayola Colored Pencils

Crayola colored pencils are an excellent choice when you’re looking for quality art supplies that won’t break the bank. These pencils are widely available at major retailers like Target, Amazon, Dollar General, and Staples, making them easy to find wherever you shop.

You can choose from various set sizes to fit your needs and budget. The 10-count erasable set includes attached erasers and comes pre-sharpened, so you can start creating right away. If you need more colors, larger sets with 50 or even 120 pencils are available for bigger projects or classroom use.

The pencils feature a 3.3mm lead that produces rich, creamy colors perfect for coloring books, school projects, and crafts. Crayola also offers specialized options like Twistables that never need sharpening, erasable varieties for easy corrections, and metallic pencils when you want to add shimmer to your work.

These colored pencils are non-toxic and designed for ages 5 and up. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or teacher stocking your classroom, Crayola colored pencils deliver reliable performance at budget-friendly prices.

2) Arteza Watercolor Paint Set

Arteza offers watercolor paint sets that work well for artists at any skill level. The brand focuses on making quality art supplies accessible without the high price tag that often comes with painting materials.

You can find their watercolor sets in different configurations. Some include 12 colors while others come with 25 shades, giving you options based on your needs and budget. The paints are pigment-packed, which means a small amount goes a long way on your paper.

Many Arteza watercolor sets come with extras that add value. You might get a brush included with your paint set, or even a watercolor paper pad. The paper they include is typically acid-free and measures 9 by 12 inches, ready for your next project.

These watercolor paints are designed to be user-friendly. Whether you’re just starting or have been painting for years, you’ll find them easy to work with. The colors blend smoothly and offer good coverage on watercolor paper.

Arteza watercolor sets are available at major retailers, making them easy to purchase when you need to restock your supplies.

3) Prang Art Markers

Prang has been creating quality art supplies since 1882, and their markers continue that tradition today. These markers offer vibrant colors that lay down smoothly on paper without bleeding through.

You’ll appreciate the durable fine-line tips that maintain their shape even with regular use. The 2.75mm nibs provide excellent control for detailed work. One standout feature is the 24-hour cap-off time, which means your markers won’t dry out if you forget to replace the cap during a creative session.

The markers are AP-certified non-toxic, making them safe for classroom and home use. Prang offers various sets ranging from basic 8-count packages to large 144-count classroom packs with 12 different colors.

You can find washable options that make cleanup easier, especially important if you’re working with kids. The streamlined design fits comfortably in your hand during extended coloring sessions.

These markers work well for everything from school projects to adult coloring books. They’re widely available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Office Depot, making them easy to find when you need to restock your supplies.

4) Faber-Castell Graphite Pencils

Faber-Castell graphite pencils offer exceptional quality without breaking your budget. These pencils have been trusted by artists since 1761, making them a reliable choice for your creative work.

The Castell 9000 line stands out as a particularly popular option. Launched in 1905, this classic pencil features finely graduated degrees of hardness that suit various drawing techniques. The lead is fully bonded with the wood casing, which makes it more break-resistant than cheaper alternatives.

You can find these pencils in convenient sets with multiple hardness grades. A typical set might include a range from 2H to 8B, giving you the flexibility to create everything from light sketches to deep shadows. This variety makes them suitable whether you’re just starting or have years of experience.

A bonus is that Faber-Castell manufactures these pencils using reforested wood from FSC-certified sustainable forests. The production process is carbon neutral, so you can feel good about your purchase. The combination of affordability, quality, and environmental responsibility makes these graphite pencils a smart addition to your art supplies.

5) Strathmore 300 Series Sketchbook

The Strathmore 300 Series offers excellent value for artists on a budget. You’ll find these sketchbooks at most art supply stores and online retailers at reasonable prices.

These pads contain acid-free paper weighing 50 lb (74 gsm) with a fine tooth surface. The paper works well with graphite pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, and other dry media. You can practice techniques and create quick studies without worrying about wasting expensive paper.

Each pad comes with 100 sheets that are micro-perforated for easy removal. The wire-bound design lets you flip pages smoothly while working. The sheets maintain their actual size when you remove them from the pad.

Your sketches will hold up over time thanks to the acid-free composition. The medium surface texture provides enough grip for your drawing tools while remaining smooth enough for detail work. This makes the 300 Series suitable for both classroom use and personal projects.

Whether you’re a beginner learning new techniques or an experienced artist who needs affordable paper for experimentation, this sketchbook delivers reliable performance without straining your budget.

6) Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint

Liquitex Basics offers quality acrylic paint at a price point that won’t strain your budget. This student-grade line uses lightfast fine art pigments, giving you reliable color without the professional price tag.

The paint has a heavy viscosity that works well for thick applications. You can create textured effects, and your brush marks will stay visible as the paint dries. It provides solid coverage and dries to a satin finish.

Liquitex Basics comes in individual tubes and starter sets. The starter box typically includes around 9-10 colors and often comes with brushes, making it convenient if you’re just beginning your painting journey. You can find these paints at major art supply retailers and online stores.

The formula is designed for everyday use by artists at any skill level. Whether you’re practicing new techniques or working on casual projects, these paints deliver consistent performance. The color range lets you build a basic palette, and you can always expand your collection as your needs grow.

7) Royal & Langnickel Brushes

Royal & Langnickel offers excellent brush sets that won’t strain your budget. Their Super Value Pack sets are designed specifically for beginning artists and classroom settings, making them perfect if you’re just starting your creative journey.

These brush sets typically include an assortment of different sizes and shapes. You’ll find shaders, pointed rounds, and various other brush types that let you experiment with different techniques. The synthetic bristles work well with acrylics, watercolors, and oils.

What makes these brushes particularly appealing is how easy they are to clean and maintain. The durable handles hold up through repeated use, and the quality ferrules help prevent shedding on your artwork.

Royal & Langnickel uses materials like golden taklon, sable, nylon, and camel hair in their brush construction. Many feature non-slip grips and ergonomic handles for comfortable painting sessions.

You can find these brushes at major retailers and art supply stores. They deliver reliable performance without fancy extras, giving you functional tools to develop your skills and discover your preferred painting style.

8) Canson XL Mixed Media Paper

If you’re looking for versatile paper that won’t break the bank, Canson XL Mixed Media is worth considering. This pad was specifically designed with art students in mind, offering quality at an affordable price point.

The paper weighs 98 lb (160gsm), which gives you a sturdy surface for experimenting with different techniques. You can use it for wet media like watercolor and acrylics, as well as dry media like pencils and charcoal. The heavy sizing helps prevent color bleeding and allows the paper to handle moisture without buckling too much.

Each pad typically contains 60 sheets, so you’ll have plenty of paper to practice with. The sheets are micro-perforated, making them easy to remove cleanly when you’re finished with a piece.

The paper has a fine texture that blends well and erases nicely when you’re working with dry media. You can find these pads in popular sizes like 7×10 inches and 9×12 inches, both convenient for sketching on the go or working at your desk.

9) Pentel Arts Oil Pastels

Pentel Arts Oil Pastels offer vibrant colors at a budget-friendly price point. These pastels feature a creamy texture that applies smoothly to paper, board, and canvas.

The color payoff is impressive for the cost. You’ll find they blend easily, allowing you to create custom shades and tints without struggling with the medium. The pastels are acid-free and fade-resistant, which means your artwork will hold up better over time.

Sets are available in multiple sizes, from 12-color starter packs to larger 50-piece collections. The larger sets typically cost under $10, making them accessible for beginners and students.

Teachers often choose these pastels for classroom use because of their reliability and low cost. You can experiment with oil pastel techniques without worrying about wasting expensive materials. They’re also resistant to humidity, so your drawings won’t deteriorate in less-than-ideal storage conditions.

The main appeal is the combination of quality and affordability. You get rich, mixable colors that perform well for basic oil pastel work without the premium price tag of professional-grade materials.

10) Arteza Canvas Panels

Arteza canvas panels offer an excellent budget-friendly option for your painting projects. These pre-primed surfaces come ready to use right out of the package, saving you preparation time and money.

The panels feature 100% cotton construction that works beautifully with multiple mediums. You can use them with acrylics, oils, gouache, and tempera paints. The cotton surface allows your brushes to glide smoothly across the canvas.

You’ll find these panels available in various sizes and bulk packs. Common options include 8×10-inch panels in packs of 14, giving you plenty of surfaces to experiment with. Arteza also offers mixed-size sets with panels ranging from 5×7 to 11×14 inches.

The lightweight design makes these panels easy to store and transport. They fit seamlessly into standard frames, which helps when you’re ready to display your finished work. Each panel comes triple-primed with acid-free acrylic gesso, providing a professional-quality painting surface.

These canvas panels give you an affordable way to practice techniques or create multiple pieces without breaking your budget.

Maximizing Value From Affordable Art Supplies

Getting the most from budget-friendly art supplies means extending their lifespan, using them strategically in projects, and maintaining them properly to avoid unnecessary replacements.

Tips for Making Supplies Last Longer

You can significantly extend the life of your art supplies with a few simple practices. Always cap your markers, pens, and paint tubes immediately after use to prevent them from drying out. Store brushes horizontally or bristle-side up to maintain their shape.

Clean your tools thoroughly after each session. Brushes should be rinsed until the water runs clear, then reshaped and laid flat to dry. Palette knives and mixing trays need soap and water while the paint is still wet.

Use only what you need during each session. Squeeze small amounts of paint onto your palette rather than large dollops that might go to waste. You can always add more as needed.

Keep your workspace organized with designated storage for each supply type. This prevents damage from tools getting crushed, bent, or lost in cluttered drawers.

Budget-Friendly Creative Project Ideas

Some projects naturally work better with affordable supplies and help you practice without pressure. Sketchbook challenges using basic pencils or pens let you develop skills without costly materials. Daily drawing prompts require only paper and a pencil.

Watercolor wash backgrounds need minimal paint and work well for greeting cards or bookmarks. Collage projects can incorporate magazine cutouts, old book pages, and scrap paper alongside your budget paints or markers.

Mixed media experiments let you combine inexpensive supplies in new ways. Try adding coffee or tea staining to pencil sketches, or use cheap acrylics as a base layer with pen details on top.

Small format works like ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) or postcard-sized pieces require less material per project, letting your supplies stretch further while you build a larger body of work.

Caring for Your Tools to Save Money

Proper maintenance prevents the need for frequent replacements. Dedicate a clean jar or cup specifically for brush cleaning, and never leave brushes sitting in water for extended periods.

Sharpen colored pencils with a quality sharpener that creates clean points without breaking the core. A dull blade wastes more pencil with each sharpening. Store pencils in cases or cups where the tips won’t knock against each other.

Keep paper and sketchbooks away from humidity, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. These conditions cause warping, yellowing, and deterioration. A simple drawer or shelf in a climate-controlled room works perfectly.

Inspect your supplies regularly for signs of wear or damage. Address small issues immediately—like re-wrapping loose pencil barrels with tape or transferring paints to sealed containers—before they become bigger problems that force you to discard the entire product.

Where to Find Quality Art Supplies Without Breaking the Bank

Local stationery stores and art supply chains offer immediate access to materials you can inspect before buying, while online retailers provide competitive pricing and wider selection. Student discounts and community art programs can reduce costs by 10-40% on the same quality supplies.

Shopping Locally Versus Online

Your local stationery stores and art supply shops let you test materials before purchasing. You can feel the paper texture, check paint consistency, and compare the brush quality directly. These stores often carry budget-friendly house brands alongside premium options.

Chain stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby run weekly sales and accept competitor coupons. You’ll find beginner-friendly sets at 30-50% off during back-to-school seasons and holidays.

Online retailers, including Amazon, Blick Art Materials, and Jerry’s Artarama, offer lower base prices due to reduced overhead costs. You can compare dozens of brands in minutes and read verified customer reviews. Free shipping thresholds typically start at $35-50.

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Local stores: Immediate availability, no shipping costs, hands-on evaluation
• Online shops: Better prices, broader selection, bulk discounts, doorstep delivery

Dollar stores and general retailers like Walmart stock basic supplies, including sketch pencils, crayons, and watercolors, at 50-70% below specialty store prices.

Exploring Student Discounts and Community Resources

Art supply retailers offer student discounts ranging from 10-20% off regular prices with valid school identification. Blick Art Materials and Utrecht Art Supplies maintain year-round student programs both in-store and online.

Join local art circles or online communities where artists exchange unused materials. Facebook groups and neighborhood apps connect you with others looking to swap or give away supplies they no longer need.

Community centers and libraries host art programs that provide free materials during workshops. You’ll access professional-grade supplies while learning new techniques from experienced instructors.

Money-saving programs to explore:

• Teacher discount programs (often available to homeschool parents)
• Membership rewards at craft store chains
• Email newsletter coupons offering 15-25% off single items
• Clearance sections with discontinued colors and seasonal items

Public schools sometimes sell surplus art supplies at deeply discounted prices during summer cleanouts. Contact your local school district’s art department to learn about upcoming sales.